Genetic mutations may increase your risk, as do certain medications and lifestyle changes. But breast cancer most likely results from the complex interaction of genes and environment. Researchers have linked 5-10% of breast cancers to gene mutations passed down in families. Luckily, there are some ways to lower your risk and improve your chances of surviving the disease.
The symptoms of breast cancer are usually not as pronounced as those of a benign breast condition. A variety of other diseases can cause unusual changes in breast tissue, including inflammation, pain, and even an abnormal screening mammogram. Your physician can use additional testing to determine if your breasts are indeed cancerous or not. Here are some signs and symptoms of inflammatory breast disease. A biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis, as well as to determine whether a certain lump is cancerous.
A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose breast cancer. A doctor will perform a breast biopsy to remove a sample of the suspicious tissue. A pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope and make a diagnosis. If a biopsy finds cancer, treatment can begin. Cancer biomarkers can help guide treatment. These proteins are produced on the cancer cells and may also be detected in the body’s fluids. Because they identify the tumor, a biomarker can help guide treatment.
While most types of breast cancer recur within five years after diagnosis, it is possible for cancer to recur despite successful treatment. The presence of HER2 receptors on the tumours increases the risk of cancer recurrence. If the tumours are positive for this protein, treatment may include chemotherapy or targeted drugs. However, there is no certainty that a particular treatment will cure the disease. If you find out that you have a triple-negative breast cancer, you should consult a physician about treatment options.
The stage of a tumor in the breasts determines its size, whether it has spread to lymph nodes, or has metastasized to other parts of the body. It also determines the estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor-type 2 receptors. A woman’s age and menopausal status can also determine whether the cancer will recur or not. Fortunately, breast cancer survivors have a normal life expectancy.
While the exact cause of breast cancer is still not known, medical researchers are learning more about what happens inside the cells that may lead to cancer. It turns out that genetic changes in certain genes are linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Breast cells are made up of different genes, which normally co-exist with the woman’s natural hormones, her diet, and environmental factors. Some of these genes prevent cells from growing out of control. When they are altered, however, the cells can develop into cancer and spread throughout the body.
